BULLET IN SUMMER ‘09

MAKING ROGRESS FOR

STUDENT SUCCESS

2009

Homecoming/

Family Weekend

brochure

inside!

P

With With this issue of the Bulletin, the staff and I are attempting in our words and pictures to help alumni and friends develop a mental picture of aspects of the soul of Central College, which distinguish it from the vast majority of colleges and universities around the country. This issue focuses on our new education and psychology building and in the following pages, you’ll get a glimpse of Central’s new building and what makes it so special. God has called us to be stewards of all He has given us, to nurture and educate our future generations and be positive forces building community and serving others. This is exactly what the three academic departments and two centers inhabiting our new building do. Furthermore, the building itself models, teaches and inspires to all who see, occupy or visit it, Central’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It will be the third Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-rated building on campus, and pending approvals, it will have the most prestigious rating

of all — platinum. Just as Vermeer Science Center was the first LEED-rated building in Iowa, attaining a silver certification, and Howard McKee Hall was the first gold LEED-rated residence structure, so too, it is likely the new building will be the first platinum-rated building in Iowa. Central’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just through our buildings. We are incorporating it into our curriculum as the faculty recently voted unanimously to have a global sustainability component in the core curriculum starting next fall. The new core will attract students and faculty from across disciplines. In addition, a new Center for Global Sustainability Education will be housed in the education and psychology building, along with communication studies and our nationally ranked community-based learning program. These departments will work collaboratively to help Central College students become well-rounded stewards of education, global sustainability and community. Finally, the new building allows us to bring three of our most distinguished academic departments together in the same space with the enhanced learning environment that is the result of lots of natural sunlight, plenty of space for classrooms and laboratories, and the advantages of the latest educational technology — learning advantages not available in the current locations for these departments. Afterall, to really educate others,

you must first understand them (psychology). And, to connect with students (education) and the broader community in the most effective ways, you need special skills (communication studies). If you cannot tell by now, I am excited about the new building and how it will allow us to do better for our students. I am grateful our alumni and friends and the foundational financial strength of the college, in spite of the recession, are enabling us to carry out this part of our strategic plan. I’d especially like to thank the many donors who so generously contributed toward the education of future Central generations. It takes a community and the work isn’t done just yet. Our campaign continues with the opportunity to purchase a legacy brick. A pledge of $11 a month for four years or a flat gift of $528 will buy a brick with your name on it displayed in the building. Also, we were delighted to be honored with a prestigious capital challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation in recognition of Central’s devotion to students and leadership in environmental studies. Enjoy this issue!

David H. Roe

(PR

ES

IDE

NT

’S C

OR

NE

R)

David Roe stands next to solar panels

outside of Howard McKee Hall.

Throughout this issue, be on the lookout for one of the building’s most predominant features — frogs! To find out more go to www.central.edu/alumni/bulletin.

6

ON ThE COvER Our new addition in progress

10 SALIENTIAPreserving the environment,

promoting education

12 LINkS Of SuPPORTNew center for global sustainability

education focuses on community

14 A wORLD Of OPPORTuNITy

Preparing teachers requires special attention to detail

18 TRADITION Of INfLuENCE Central College continues to produce great educators; Joy Prothero, associate

professor of education

DEPARTmENTS2 Around the Pond

4 Alumni Happenings

6 Sports Update

21 Alumni Newsnotes

28 Homecoming/Family Weekend

29 Parting Shot

C E N T R A LB u L L E T I N

Summer 2009volume 15, number 3

E D I T O R

Abby Gonzales ’02

S P O R T S E D I T O R

Larry Happel ’81

S T u D E N T w R I T E R S

Lisa Goodell ’09Brynn Phillips ’10

G R A P h I C D E S I G N E R

Brianna Blake

E D I T O R I A L A S S I S TA N T S

Mary Benedict Susan CanfieldConnie Aalbers Marlow ’76Lynne Petty

D I R E C T O R O f A L u m N I

R E L AT I O N S

Sunny Gonzales Eighmy ’99

A S S I S TA N T D I R E C T O R O f

A L u m N I R E L AT I O N S

Mary Vande Hoef ’03

D I R E C T O R O f m A R k E T I N G

A N D m E D I A R E L AT I O N S

Connie Cross

D I R E C T O R O f P u B L I C AT I O N S

Cyndi Atkins

Central Bulletin is published quarterly by the marketing and media relations office for alumni, parents and friends of Central College. For information on Central Bulletin’s mission and Central’s welcome policy go to www.central.edu/alumni/bulletin.

Central Bulletin (USPS 096-840) is published by Central College, 812 University, Pella, IA 50219-1999. Periodicals postage paid at Pella, Iowa, and additional offices.

Postmaster: send address changes (PS 3579) to Central Bulletin, 812 University, Pella, IA 50219-1999. Address changes also may be sent to alumni@central.edu.

Production notes:

Productolith meets EPA and FTC guide-lines for recycled coated papers. All pulp is elemental chlorine free (EFC) and totally chlorine free (TCF). The Central Bulletin is printed with a soybean-based ink by Town Crier, Pella, Iowa.

w w w. C E N T R A L . E D u

6 4 1 . 6 2 8 . 9 0 0 0

Photo by D

an Vander Beek

Freshman Ethan Miller earned all-America honors this year.

Photo by P

aul Gates

The education and psychology building features a green roof.

I N T h I S I S S u E

8

Central held its fourth annual community service day in April.

25

Student Senate gives back

Central College Student Senate voted unanimously to give $15,000 back to the college as a one-time gift in light of the extraordinary economic circumstances this year. The students felt the decision to give back to the college was an easy one to make. “It is our hope this gift will help maintain the Central College that

alumni know, current students enjoy and prospective students will come to love,” wrote student body president senior Tyler Schipper from Ankeny, Iowa, in an e-mail to Central’s budget committee. “We hope it can be used to lessen the depth of cuts next year and place Central in a better financial situation moving forward.” The college put the money in the Central Fund, which supports the day-to-day operations of the college.

2 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

Front row (left to right): David Cain, Whitney Longnecker, Alison Mason, Josh Cobie, Erinn Lauterbach and President David Roe. Back row: Director of the Central Fund Kathy Thompson, Tyler Schipper, Matt Sigmund, James Armstead and Leland Schipper.

“It is our hope this gift

will help maintain the

Central College that alumni

know, current students enjoy,

and prospective students

will come to love.”

Photo by D

an Vander Beek

NaMEd To CaRNEgIE CoMMUNITy ENgagEMENT LIST Central College was one of 120 institutions nationwide named to the Carnegie Foundation Advancement of Teaching’s 2008 Community Engagement Classification. Central was listed in the Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnership category, which includes institutions that fit both the Curricular Engagement and the Outreach and Partnership criteria. According to Carnegie, Central’s application documented excellent alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement. Nearly 200 colleges and universities have been identified since 2006.

ESpINoSa SIgNS wITh INTERNaTIoNaL RECoRdINg CoMpaNy

July 14, ZOHO Records released “From Yucatan to Rio,” a jazz CD from Gabriel Espinosa ’79, associate professor

of music at Central. Espinosa gathered an international

all-star group of jazz musicians to join him on what he terms his “dream CD.” Featured on Espinosa’s CD are Helio Alves, Anat Cohen, Romero Lubambo, Claudio Roditi and Antonio Sanchez. Espinosa is the composer-arranger as well as bassist on the new release. This is Espinosa’s fourth CD release since 2000; all others were recorded with the Iowa-based Latin band Ashanti. Espinosa has been director of jazz studies at Central for the past 13 years. The new CD is available at www.amazon.com. The CD was funded in part with a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, Central

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 3

College and El Instituto de Cultura de Yucatan y el Ayuntamiento de Merida.

$1 MILLIoN gIfT fRoM hUySERS An estate gift of more than $1 million was given to Central from Francis C. and Jeannette Dekker Huyser. Half will be used to endow need-based scholarships with the other half going toward merit-based scholarships.

“To give a student-driven award is a wonderful thing for the Huysers to do for Central College,” said President David Roe. “Their gift helps our students receive a quality education. We very much appreciate their friendship and generosity over the years. Not only have they been great to Central College, but they’ve also been good stewards to many organizations in Pella. The Huysers were pillars in our community and many benefited from their philanthropy.”

yELLow RIBBoN pRojECT paRTICIpaNT Central is one of hundreds of schools across the nation participating in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program), a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows higher education institutions in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with Veterans Affairs (VA) to help fund tuition expenses that surpass the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Colleges and universities are able to waive up to 50 percent of those expenses and the VA will match the amount the institution awards. Central is accepting an unlimited number of students who qualify with each student receiving up to $12,000 per year. n

Eight faculty members were honored at the 2009 faculty recognition reception April 27. Dawn Reece ’89, associate professor of sociology, was the recipient of the prestigious David Crichton memorial Award. Philip Webber, professor of German studies and linguistics, and Dennis Doyle, professor of communication studies, were both awarded the huffman Award for Outstanding Support of International Education. The John wesselink Awards for Outstanding Performance recognize excellence in four separate categories. Jon Witt, associate professor of sociology, received the award for professional growth and development. Paul Weihe, associate professor of biology, received the institutional service award. Keith Yanner, professor of political science, received the community service award. Rex Shahriari, professor of education, and Andrew Green, assistant professor of political science, were honored for effective teaching. Jann Freed ’77, professor of business management, received the hutch Bearce Community Building Award as well as the faculty Leadership Award. webber and Pat Westphal, associate professor of french, were honored upon their retirements. webber will begin his retirement after the fall 2009 semester; he has been at the college for 36 years. westphal has taught at Central 20 years. Pamela Richards, associate professor of exercise science, was inducted into the heritage Club for 25 years of service to the college. Hongxin (Maria) Zhang, the 2009 visiting Chinese Scholar, was honored for her contributions to the college this year.

FAcultY AWARDS

“To give a student-driven

award is a wonderful thing

for the Huysers to do for

Central College ...”

Retiring faculty Pat Westphal and Phil Webber

Faculty awards

Now is the time to register for Homecoming/Family Weekend. Classes celebrating reunions and the 1999 volleyball team may complete Homecoming memory book forms online in the alumni community. Help us celebrate our special guests for the weekend. The 2009 alumni award winners include:

Alumni Achievement Mary Marshall Tucker ’49 of Monroeville, Ala.

Young Alumni Achievement Kim Poam Logan ’94 of Urbandale, Iowa

Alumni Stewardship, Service and Leadership

Bob De Smidt ’61 of Cedar Grove, Wis.

Mr. and Mrs. Alumni Brian ’80 and Lori

Humphrey Fegley ’80 of Cedar Falls, Iowa

Honorary Alumnus Jay Huitsing

of Oro Valley, Ariz.

Presidential Service Marge Van Houweling

of Pella

A L u m N Ih A P P E N I N G S

Homecoming/Family Weekend highlights; Register now!

4 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

Join us for Homecoming/Family Weekend, Sept. 25-27, 2009!

Breaking news:

Big Slime and

the Stagnant Pool

in Concert

friday, Sept. 25

monday, Aug. 10 .......................................GOLD at the I-Cubs in Des Moines

Saturday, Aug. 22 ................................... Legacy Lunch/move-in day on campus

Saturday, Aug. 29 ................... Football; men’s and women’s soccer alumni games

Sunday, Sept. 6 ....................................................Men’s golf alumni tournament

Saturday, Sept. 12 (tentative) ...................................Parents’ council on campus

friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27 ............................. Homecoming/Family Weekend

friday-Saturday, Oct. 2-3 ....................................... Board of trustees on campus

Saturday, Oct. 3 ............................................................ Baseball alumni game

friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4 ...................... 1974 championship football team reunion

Tuesday, Oct. 13 .....................Wicked at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines

Saturday, Oct. 24 ...........................Tailgater at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa

friday-Saturday, Oct. 30-31 .....................................National Advisory Council

fall 2009 ..................................Omaha, Neb.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Quad Cities

Kim Doyle ’86, Dick Bowzer ’65, Mark Muyskens ’82 and Jamie Mahnke Zyzda ’92 will be inducted into the Central College Athletic Hall of Honor.

E-MaIL SavES US MoNEy Do we have your e-mail address on file? Whenever possible, the alumni office likes to relay news in a timely manner and cut postage costs. And, many of our events are announced in e-mail. Help save money and stay in touch. Send your e-mail address to alumni@central.edu or call 800-447-0287.

LICENSE pLaTES An application for Central College license plates was approved by the Iowa department of transportation, and the sample plate is being produced. More information will be available very soon. Cost is approximately $25 for regular plates or $50 for personalized plates.

BUy a BRICk! Buy an engraved brick for the education and psychology building for just $528 or $11 a month for four years. Visit www.central.edu/edPsych/pledge or call 800-447-0287.

aaC REvIEw by chairperson kris Brandt vaughn ’90

The alumni advisory council (AAC) held its first meeting in 2002 with 15 original members and three alumni trustees. Over 32 alumni have participated on the council, representing alumni by geographic area and graduation

years. The council has worked with career services, alumni, development, admission, marketing and media relations, information technology services, study abroad, community-based learning, intercultural life, facilities planning and management and sustainability. Members also have interacted with the following academic departments: art, psychology, education, mathematics and computer science, economics, accounting, business management and chemistry as well as the spiritual life task force, out-of-state and international students, President David and Betsy Roe and the board of trustees. The AAC has supported and impacted the following areas: Central Connections; alumni community; welcoming freshmen, out-of-state, international and transfer students; Bulletin; Web site, Central Online; Homecoming programming; campus issues; admission calls; and student receptions. n

Past alumni events include (front top) a baseball game in Texas, Breakfast of

Champions, softball picnic and whitewater

rafting in California.

uPcoMinG AluMni eventSupcoming alumni events

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 5

6 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

u P D AT E

Central regains conference track crown

First-year coach Joe Dunham had the Central track and field squads back on familiar ground as the Dutch men claimed their 11th Iowa Conference title in the past 19 years, while the women’s squad finished second in the league meet. Dunham, who was quick to credit the program’s architect, predecessor Kevin Sanger ’93, was named the league’s

the women’s shot put and eighth in the discus. Sophomore Kurtis Brondyke from Clinton, Iowa, was fifth in the decathlon while freshman Ethan Miller from Seymour, Iowa, who also competed in the NCAA decathlon, recovered quickly and took fourth in the high jump. Other NCAA qualifiers included freshman Tyler Crouse of Hedrick,

men’s coach of the year, following the conference meet in Pella. Central won seven men’s events in claiming its first team crown since 2004. The women picked up two wins. The Dutch had four all-American performances at the NCAA Division III meet in Marietta, Ohio. Senior Rachel Boeke of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sixth in

Sophomore Kurtis Brondyke was one of three Dutch track and field athletes who received all-America honors this spring.

at the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Petersen tied for 38th place in the 72-hole tourney. Freshman Sarah Paulson of Ottumwa, Iowa, became the first women’s golfer to earn NCAA Division III all-America honors, as she tied for sixth place at the national tournament. Paulson shot 75-72-81-86 — 314 at the 5,831-yard, par-72 Wanamaker course.

fIvE fRoM CENTRaL oN aLL-LEagUE BaSEBaLL TEaM A young Central baseball squad landed five players on the all-Iowa Conference squad, including four freshmen and sophomores. Freshman second baseman Mike Furlong of Davenport, Iowa, and sophomore outfielder Caleb Rangel of Rock Island, Ill., were first-team picks, with freshman pitcher Corey Eisenmann of Bloomingdale, Ill., sophomore outfielder Jarred Lackey of Somerton, Ariz., and senior designated hitter Derek Knutson of Richland, Wash., on the second team. Furlong hit a team-high .409 and set a school freshman-season record with 61 hits. Rangel batted .390 with 40 RBIs and was named the team MVP. Central posted a 17-20 mark with a 10-12 league record, missing the six-team conference tournament by a half game. n

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 7

Iowa, in the discus and sophomore Jill Ziskovsky of Dallas Center, Iowa, and junior Carissa Bentz of Soldier, Iowa, in the heptathlon.

yoUNg TENNIS SqUad ThIRd New Central tennis coach Steve Tyler arrived on the scene less than a week before the Dutch men’s first match but was able to guide a young club to a third-place Iowa Conference finish. Tyler, a former high school coach and college assistant in Colorado, had just one senior, Joel Druvenga of Spencer, Iowa, in his lineup. But Central managed to endure a challenging schedule and emerge with a 13-10 record. Junior Luke Boyd from Fort Dodge, Iowa, played at No. 1 singles and was voted the team’s MVP.

dUTCh gRaB 10Th CoNfERENCE SofTBaLL TITLE Unranked in the preseason and tabbed for fourth in the Iowa Conference after placing fifth a year ago, the Central softball team took a thrilling ride to its 10th league crown. Bursting out of the blocks with a 15-1 record at the season-opening Tucson Invitational Games, the Dutch surprised No. 2-ranked Wis.-Eau Claire by erupting for six sixth-inning runs and a 6-4 victory. Central then came from

two runs down in the bottom of the 10th to knock off No. 17 Luther, rallied from three runs down in the bottom of the seventh to upend No. 4 Washington-St. Louis (Mo.) and got a walk-off home run from freshman designated player Rachael Everingham of Georgetown, Ill., to defeat Augustana (Ill.). Central made its 21st NCAA Division III tournament appearance but failed to advance out of a strong eight-team regional in Indianola. The Dutch still managed a lofty 36-8 record. Everingham earned second-team all-America honors after hitting .364 in her rookie season. Senior pitcher Megan Swingen of Woden, Iowa, was 7-0 in league play and named the conference pitcher of the year. Senior center fielder Alysha Overturf of Bettendorf, Iowa, was also a first-team all-conference pick along with freshman second baseman Angela Davis of West Des Moines and Everingham. Sophomore pitcher Kiley Lythberg of Mount Prospect, Ill., was a second-team honoree. Coach George Wares shared league coach of the year honors.

LEagUE ChaMpIoN goLfERS To NCaa ToURNEy After a frustrating finish last season, the Central College men’s golf team came back to regain the Iowa Conference title in decisive fashion, winning the 72-hole meet by 21 shots. It was a record 27th league title for the Dutch, who placed all five players in the top 10. Senior Andy Petersen of Davenport, Iowa, juniors Justin Smool from Bagley, Iowa, and Andrew Townsend from Bettendorf, Iowa, sophomore Jason Harvey of Goldfield, Iowa, and freshman Matt Vegter of Morrison, Ill., earned all-conference honors for coach Charlie Estabrook’s squad. Petersen placed third, narrowly missing his third straight league individual title. Central made its 28th NCAA Division III tournament appearance, finishing 19th out of 36 teams at the meet

Freshman Rachael Everingham earned second-team all-America recognition.

Senior Andrew Townsend helped the Dutch win a league title.

8 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

ThE NEw EDUCATION AND PSyChOlOGy bUIlDING

PHotoS bY PAul GAteS

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 9

“Some advantages to the building include great new resources like

up-to-date technology. I’m excited to have a larger space

for classes — what an awesome

learning environment!” — BAILEy STEERE, SO.ELEmENTARy EDuCATION mAJOR

CLARkSvILLE, IOwA

“The new facility combines flexible space utilization, cutting edge technology

and a design that both is inviting and aesthetically pleasing. The LEED rating

makes a tangible manifestation of Central’s commitment to environmental

stewardship and sustainability.” — PhIL GEORGEPROfESSOR Of EDuCATION

salientia

10 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

Frogs. With this one word, you probably think of their green color, how they hop from lily pad to lily pad, snatch flies from the air with their tongues, their distinctive “ribbit” sound, and chasing and catching them as a child. But, you probably would not think frogs would be tied into the new education and psychology building at Central College, opening this fall. Frogs are everywhere in the new education and psychology building as a sign of sustainability in a number of unique ways because of their tie

to the environment. Frogs are an indicator of ecosystem health and a vital part of all ecosystem dynamics.

by Brynn Phillips ’10, a communication studies major from Forest City, Iowa

“They are one of those creatures that really interest people,” according to Paul Weihe, associate professor of biology. Weihe was not surprised to learn that frogs are being used as a symbol of sustainability in the new building. He believes frogs actually are more charismatic than people might think. Most frogs have a semi-aquatic lifestyle, but move easily on land by jumping or climbing. The word ‘frog’ was formerly referred to as salientia, which is the Latin word for “to jump.” Frogs can be found everywhere from tropic to subarctic regions, but most species are found in tropical rainforests. Consisting of more than 5,000 species, they are among the most diverse groups of vertebrates. However, frogs are slowly becoming extinct, even in Iowa. Frog populations have been impacted seriously at an alarming rate and scientists do not necessarily know all of the factors that are contributing to their disappearance. Food chain dynamics will change if frogs start

“The building is close to honor houses, and the majority of my

classes are there so that will be really nice. The most exciting thing is that

it’s brand new. Plus it will be the

only platinum building in Iowa.” — ABBIE NIELSEN, SO.ELEmENTARy EDuCATION mAJOR

ROCkwELL, IOwA

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 11

disappearing. Frogs are predators, and without them some insect populations could increase significantly. Not only is the frog population decreasing, but also malformed frogs are becoming more widespread. Pollution is a major contributor to this problem along with parasites. When asked about the declining frog population, Weihe thinks people will miss hearing and seeing them, which is why he says utilizing them in the new building is such a great idea. “Central is about education, a serious matter, by using frogs in the new building, we can build a sense of whimsy, have fun and connect, and at the same time, show our desire for sustainability,” said Weihe. The inspiration to incorporate frogs came from a conversation that Mike Lubberden, director of facilities planning and management, had with Central College emeritus professor of art Lawrence Mills, who knew that 2008 was

dubbed the “Year of the Frog” by leading conservationists. Mills was later retained

to create artwork for the facility which would reflect its purpose and eco-sensitivity. Mills’ former residence was located on the building site. After learning his home would need to be moved to make way for the building, he asked that as many mature trees as possible be preserved through the process and incorporated into the building’s site plan. Since it was imperative one of the mature walnut trees toward the north end of his property needed to be removed, it was determined the lumber from the

tree would be preserved and reused within the building in the form of artwork. The “Year of the Frog” awareness has risen because frogs and other amphibians are vanishing from the planet at an alarming rate. In fact, the world has not seen such a rapid extinction rate since the dinosaurs. In the past few decades, as many as 130 species of frogs and other amphibians may have been wiped out. Right now, one-third to one-half of the world’s amphibian species is threatened. Climate change, pollution and a silent killer — chytrid fungus — are the main

suspects in the mass disappearance. So, just where are the frogs being featured in the new building? “One frog is near the south entrance. A rain chain will direct water from the facility’s green vegetative roof down to a bronze frog sculpture on a boulder,” said Lubberden. “Bubbling water up through and over the rock, creating the origin for a babbling brook, which will wind its way toward a basin near the building’s parking lot. From there, the

water will be recycled back into the stream.” Other frog sculptures will be hidden around doorways, classrooms and throughout the building. Sustainability is a major component within the design of the new education and psychology building. Using frogs will be a reminder of what Central College is all about, not only a solid education, but also preservation of the environment. Central College is truly “jumping” into something good.

“Having a nice, new building may attract more students to Central. Prospective students want to go to a school that has the finest resources available, and our

new building provides that.” — JORDAN LEuSChEN, SR.PSyChOLOGy AND POLITICAL SCIENCE mAJORSDECORAh, IOwA

— JESSICA CuRRy, JR.PSyChOLOGy mAJOR

NEwTON, IOwA

“I think the new building will promote more of a

community atmosphere. I hope being in the building will

help our program be more

technologically advanced.”

12 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

Central’s dedication to environment

and sustainability issues is apparent across campus. With the first

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-rated building in Iowa with the renovation of the Vermeer Science Center in 2003 and the

first gold-rated residential building in Iowa, Central is

poised to continue to be a leader in the Midwest. “Building green is important because Central is dedicated to educating tomorrow’s citizens and leaders for environmental stewardship and service in local, national and international communities,” said Jim Zaffiro, professor of political science. “That’s why Central’s faculty voted unanimously in November to incorporate a global sustainability component into its core curriculum starting in the fall of 2010.” In order to coordinate and develop global sustainability education, while connecting it with our already nationally recognized programming in community-based learning, a new Center for

Global Sustainability Education will be housed in the education and psychology building, which is striving for the highest LEED rating, platinum. “The center will allow students and faculty a place to engage and learn about sustainability in ways other campuses can’t offer,” said Ted Dirkx, a junior environmental studies major from Alleman, Iowa. “The fact it is located in the education building brings to light the issue of sustainability awareness in early childhood education. This center will allow education students to grow in this area.” The center will also accommodate SUSTAIN, the Central College campus sustainability working group, providing resources and support for students and volunteers working on sustainability projects and community-based service-learning. SUSTAIN has taken on several projects over the past few years. This spring, SUSTAIN incorporated Trayless Tuesdays at the Central Market in order to reduce food waste by having students use just plates and not trays, to carry food. Trayless Tuesdays averaged 30 percent less food waste over the course of a one-month trial period. SUSTAIN revived the organic garden on

links of support

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 13

The broader goal of the center is to help connect, train and support individuals, schools and community partner organizations interested in sustainability education from across the Upper Midwest Tall Grass Prairie bioregion, facilitating new networks and partnerships in support of community-building, service and sustainability. The proximity of the Center for Global Sustainability and the community-based learning office, which will share a suite, makes perfect sense. “So many goals of community-based learning intersect with those of global sustainability,” pointed out Cheri Doane ’98, director of community-based learning at Central. “The two offices will work together to develop interdisciplinary community-based sustainability projects.” Successful global sustainability education is an investment that develops and connects educational resources, especially human ones. With the new global sustainability core requirement, Central will broaden the way it works with community partners. “We will work together to create connections between community-based learning opportunities and global sustainability efforts,” said Doane. “Our generation has been handed a world in turmoil, and we are at a crossroads — to continue down the same path or choose a new promising future that sustainability can bring,” said Dirkx. “Sustainability is the solution for our generation to solve big world problems.”

campus with several Central community members tending to it during Central’s annual community service day in April. For a second consecutive year, most of the food was be donated to the local Pella Food Shelf. “The new center will ignite an explosion of growth in sustainability across campus,” Dirkx said. “The need for such a place is long overdue and will be utilized by many different disciplines.” A early initiative of the Center for Global Sustainability Education includes the Prairie Project, which will provide professional training and curriculum development support for area teachers and community partners, demonstrating how sustainability education and community-based learning work together. The Prairie Project will help faculty provide new and diverse opportunities, in and out of the traditional classroom setting, for students to fulfill the new requirement. “With the new graduation requirement, which requires students to complete a course related to sustainability, workshops will help faculty get a grip on how sustainability fits into their disciplines and how it is a key component of not only their own discipline, but also how it could be incorporated with several others,” said Robert Franks, interim chief academic officer. Learning from community-based learning’s strong existing partnership program, global sustainability programs will foster and support new community partnerships. Zaffiro, Prairie Project coordinator, notes that sustainability and community-based learning both have strong service aspects and are community-focused, making the link between the two natural. “The essence of sustainability education is breaking down boundaries across disciplines and areas where learning happens — student life, residence life, service-learning, community outreach, planning and management facilities, food service and study abroad. The center functions as a connection and coordination point, as well as a sustainability education and outreach resource center,” said Zaffiro.

“The new space reinforces the whole green concept we are

adopting. In general, it is going to be nice to have our own space for communication studies to develop

a better sense of community

with students in our major.” — DENNIS DOyLEPROfESSOR Of COmmuNICATION STuDIES

14 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

Central’s future teachers are abuzz about the new education and psychology building. It is apparent the building is greatly needed. Currently, only one classroom in Geisler Library, where the education department is housed, has any windows, leaving everyone else in the dark. Literally, in the dark, as it turned out one day spring semester when the power went out and Phil George, professor of education, was left lecturing to a class in a blackened room. But, windows aren’t the only thing the new building will have

that the old one doesn’t. New resources will be available to teachers, some directly geared toward teaching kids with special needs.

Esther Streed, associate professor of education, is excited about the new opportunities for learning the building will allow. Sitting in her windowless office, it is clear that new surroundings will be a blessing for all. The sparkling new facility groups professors’ offices together to foster better communication about students’ learning objectives. “One of the reasons I chose to come to Central was because the teacher preparation program embraces educating all children and not having an isolated approach,” said Streed. “However, our physical arrangement isn’t conducive to that in the current space.” Classrooms will be centrally located along one hall, two on each side with storage closets in between. One of those classrooms primarily will be for teaching special education. The special education classroom is named for Autumn De Wild, daughter of Marcia Breur De Wild ’65. Marcia and her parents, George and Georgia Breur, made a significant gift to the college in

“I am looking forward to the great atmosphere and all the space

we’ll have in the new building. The garden on the green roof

is going to be so cool!” — SAmANThA fINk, SO.

ELEmENTARy EDuCATION mAJORBETTENDORf, IOwA

a world of opportunity

by Lisa Goodell ’09, a communication studies major from Putney, Vt.

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 15

Diers. “You’re educating the whole child, not just teaching one area.” Part of teaching special education is exploring new ways to meet objectives. The new technology will allow professors to expand the ways they teach students to reach children. It is also going to help faculty who don’t specifically teach about special education but do infuse their general education classes with special needs. “Larger institutions tend to have a strand for elementary education and a strand for special education,” said Streed. “Here, our students have a license that allows them to teach K-6, and they can do a Strategist I endorsement that allows them to work with children with special educational needs. We’re finding a lot of them get jobs as general education teachers and are

order to name the room in honor of their grand-daughter Autumn who is a special needs student. “The special education classroom offers an ideal environment to work collaboratively with area schools, area education agencies, parent groups and others,” said Streed. The building has state-of-the-art technology that will facilitate better learning and teaching. The space is friendlier to Central students with disabilities as well. In the current space, it is difficult to maneuver a wheelchair and even crutches can be a challenge for students. Students with vision or hearing disabilities also will have their needs better addressed. Another important aspect of the new building for the education department is its proximity to the psychology and communication studies departments and community-based learning. “We’re going to be more aware of what they’re teaching in the psychology world, how we can infuse our courses with that knowledge and specifically address kids with disabilities,” said Streed. Located on the second floor of the building is an observation room with a one-way mirror. Streed and Jennifer Diers, associate professor of education, both agree it will be an asset to education students, as well as psychology students as it will facilitate research in a safe environment. “In order to have our future teachers prepared to work in an inclusive environment, it’s vitally important they get the opportunity to work with kids of all abilities,” Streed said. Central’s reading disabilities course has a large hands-on component where Central students work with kids on their reading after school, usually one-on-one. The new building, unlike the former, will have lots of quiet space where pairs can sit and work together without the noise and distraction of others. This type of personal interaction is especially important for kids with special needs. “With students with special needs, often times you want to look outside the box,” said

“A new building is always exciting, especially one that

will be as state-of-the-art as this one. Classrooms will

allow professors to do new and

exciting things with classes.” — JOEL muDD, JR.POLITICAL SCIENCE mAJOR COmmuNICATION STuDIES mINORfORT LuPTON, COLO.

able to address the needs of kids with learning disabilities in a regular classroom environment. That’s what’s great about a small liberal arts college like Central. “The face of special education has changed beautifully over the past couple of decades,” said Streed. “I am thrilled when I see growing numbers of students who are interested in working with kids with special needs on the rise.” “I think it is great there will be a room primarily for special education,” said Samantha Fink, a sophomore elementary education major from Bettendorf, Iowa. “I have always wanted to work with special education children, and I can’t wait to learn in this new building.”

Rainwater harvesting system collects roof rain water run-off which is used for flushing toilets

16 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

GREENbUIlDING qUICK FACTS

Green roof filters and reduces roof water run-off and lowers roof temperature

Natural landscaping uses native plants

Daylight harvesting system automatically dims or switches off lights when sunlight through windows and skylights is available

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 1 7

57,460 gross square feet

13 classrooms, 25 offices, 2 interview rooms separated by a one-way mirror

Low-flow aerators on lavatories and dual flush toilets reduce water consumption

Pipes under floors help heat and cool the building

first floor, education; second floor, psychology, community-based learning, global sustainability; third floor, communication studies

Third Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-rated building on campus (vermeer Science Center, howard mckee hall)

Kresge ChallengeThe clock is ticking and time is running short! Central has until

Dec. 31 to raise $1,937,463.64 to meet the kresge Challenge and

be awarded $850,000 for the building. Call 800-447-0287 or go

to www.central.edu/edpsych and click on the “make a pledge”

button on the top of the page to help us reach our goal.

I started my career 35 years ago, but my interest in teaching began as a child. There were 16 teachers in my family, and I often showed up in their classrooms. I was fortunate to observe and learn from them. Once I had my first contract, I spent many hours setting up my classroom with the help of my uncle who was a building principal. He served as my mentor with valuable expertise as I made plans for my new group of students. On occasion, I see some of those first students, and it is heartwarming to talk about the fun lessons and activities they remember during my first year of teaching. Sometimes after all these years it is hard to remember everything, but they are quick to counter with concrete details! To make an impact on a student who remembers what books we used to read or crafts we created during centers is special. They really don’t know how much of a role they played in shaping my success as a teacher. Now, I’m a part of preparing students to become quality educators so they will have encounters with former students similar to the ones I’ve had. Central College long has been known for its quality teacher education program. The successful preparation of preservice teachers correlates directly with the strength of the faculty and schools working to train them.

18 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

f A C u L T yv O I C E

Joy Prothero, associate professor of education, helps Paige Fynaardt, an elementary education major, prepare a classroom. Prothero has been in education for 35 years.

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Central College continues to produce great educators

by Joy Prothero, associate professor of education

Five years ago, Central initiated the Central Teacher Academy (CTA). The collaborative effort is a partnership between Central College, Pella Community Schools and Heartland Area Education Agency. This is a one-of-a-kind program, which allows students to apply at the end of freshman year. Once students are admitted, they begin a three-year commitment of working with a classroom teacher weekly. Students also

complete a required teacher education program sequence of courses that are research-based and developmentally designed to build skills and knowledge within teaching and learning. Each course has assessments required to show the student’s level of competency on student-learning outcomes. Students ultimately will student teach with their CTA teacher, which prepares future teachers to be better equipped with some of the most current research on best practices of instruction. A key component to the program is the exposure students have to collecting data, analyzing it, and from that analysis, providing the correct instructional match for the student needs. Rarely do college students get such hands-on experience so early in their careers. Also, the area education agencies have a direct opportunity to get involved with providing future educators with the best research-based training available. The program ties directly into all of our missions. Teacher development doesn’t get any better than this!

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 19

In addition to the CTA, Central students learn from eight full-time faculty members and several adjunct instructors who teach courses within the teacher education program. Each professor is an expert in their respective content areas, and students quickly find out their professors can “walk the talk” with real life experiences working with students in educational settings. The faculty have compiled a significant degree of diverse experiences, which are shared with students. All this experience enables us to create a forward-looking education program that is one of the best in the state. People from across the nation are calling for our top graduates. The real world application of content knowledge and shared experiences prepares Central College graduates for successful teaching in multiple settings. Graduates often send a note or e-mail faculty and let us know where and what they are doing. The impact of connections has proven to be a valuable factor for the teacher education program at Central College. Graduates network with other alumni. Current students are often amazed at how another Central graduate is willing to mentor and help them get established in a new position. This gives new relevance to the old saying, “It really is a small world.” And, all this was developed in the tight quarters of one-half of a floor of Geisler Library. We’re excited about our academic program and to move this department to a building with large classrooms, ample storage for a multitude of teaching aids, faculty workrooms, the latest technology and more. It challenges us to continue to find new ways to inspire our next generation of educators. n

joy protheroAssociate professor of education

• Received bachelor’s degree in elementary education from William Penn College

• Earned a master’s degree in education in curriculum and instruction K-12, a doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction and an education specialist degree in administration from Drake University

• Elementary education (K-6) certif- ication, reading endorsement (K-8) and elementary principal, super- intendent and evaluator licensures

• Taught third and fourth grades at Twin Cedars Schools

• Was associate professor of education at William Penn College and Grand View College

• Served as curriculum director and administrator for Pella Community Schools before coming to Central College in 1998

• Member of International Reading Association, Iowa Reading Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Association of Teacher Educators

• Elected state chair of the AEA executive board of directors in 2009

• Board member of Great Prairie AEA

• Member of the Department of Education state review panel for accreditation and the Department of Education’s content network

• Member of the Heartland AEA professional development advisory committee

FACUlTy P r O F I L e

“All this experience

enables us to create a

forward-looking education

program that is one of the

best in the state. People

from across the nation

are calling for our

top graduates.”

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Two-hundred forty-six Central College seniors participated in commencement exercises in H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse, May 17. Jim Wallis, president and executive director of Sojourners, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters and also gave the keynote address titled, “The Vocation of the Next Generation.” He is a bestselling author and international commentator on religion and public life, faith and politics and is editor-in-chief of Sojourners magazine.

20 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 25

More than 700 students, faculty, staff and alumni joined in to help with approximately 65 community service projects in Pella and surrounding areas during Central’s fourth annual community service day April 21. Projects in Pella included preparing for Tulip Time, cleaning up local parks, helping with yard work, window washing and working with children at the community art center. Projects outside of Pella included helping Children and Family Urban Ministries with its before and after school programs in Des Moines, assisting preschool students at Mahaska County Head Start in Oskaloosa and creating Care Bags in Newton.

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details available at www.central.edu/homecoming Friday, Sept. 25

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ......... Classes open, schedule available on the Web and at the welcome center11 a.m. ..................... Homecoming worship service, Chapel2:30 - 5:30 p.m. ....... Let’s all Meet at the Union, Maytag Student Center, Share Central stories3 p.m. ...................... Take a campus tour, Admission Office, Central Hall3:30 - 5:45 p.m. ....... Carlson-Kuyper Field Station tour, depart from Central Hall parking lot

Evening Activities .............................. Lemming race, Peace Mall .............................. Alumni and family barbecue, outside Central Market $ .............................. Pep Rally, Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium .............................. Informal Central gathering, Monarchs on the Molengracht .............................. Homecoming coronation, Douwstra Auditorium .............................. Big Slime and the Stagnant Pool Concert, Douwstra Auditorium .............................. Magician–Comedian Michael Kent, Douwstra Auditorium

8 - 10 a.m. ................ Pancake breakfast, between Maytag and Central Market $9 a.m. and 10 a.m. ... Campus tours, depart from Central Hall, Advancement Office9:30 and 10:30 a.m. . Pella tours, depart from Central Hall parking lot9:30 - 10:30 a.m. ...... Central College Abroad information session9:30 - 10:20 a.m. ...... Lifelong learning opportunities, various locations10 a.m. .................... Alumni volleyball game, H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse10 - 11:30 a.m. ......... Family carnival, lawn between Kruidenier and Vermeer Science Center10:30 -11:20 a.m. ..... Lifelong learning opportunities,various locations10:30 a.m. ................ Athletic Hall of Honor reception, Ron Schipper Aerobics Room11 a.m. ..................... Athletic Hall of Honor ceremony, Ron Schipper Fitness Center11 a.m. ..................... Tailgate Under the Big Tent, corner of Independence and West 3rd $1 p.m. ...................... Football, Central vs. Coe, Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium $ 3:45 p.m. ................. Post-game reception for David and Betsy Roe, north of

H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse4 p.m. ...................... Class reunion pictures, H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse5 p.m. ...................... Pizza and movies party designed for children

ages 1-12, alternative to the dinner (above). $5:30 p.m. ................. Homecoming alumni dinner $7:30 p.m. ................. Class reunion gatherings

11 a.m. ..................... Homecoming/Family Weekend brunch, Central Market $

1 p.m. ...................... Third annual Flying Pans alumni steel band concert,

Douwstra Auditorium

Scheduleof events

Sunday, Sept. 27

$ Denotes events that will have a fee for all participants

Saturday, Sept. 26

28 C E N T R A L B u L L E T I N

PS( P A R T I N G S h O T )

Making my way in the “windy city” by Sara Mouw ’10

S u m m E R 2 0 0 9 29

fEB. 6Work has started! Starting midweek has been crazy and a bit overwhelming. I spent the first day running around trying to get my stuff together. I also gathered information and photos about how athletes did at the Olympics and Paralympics for Black History Month posters that will hang around Chicago. The test runs of the posters were in black and white, so I have some lovely decorations for our apartment.

Day two of work started at Jesse Owens Elementary School on the Southside of Chicago. I escorted Lloyd Bachrach, a paralympian who played sitting volleyball, to speak in classrooms. He really connected with the first graders. I also got some javelin advice from Tom Pukstys, an Olympic javelin thrower. We’ll have to see how it works for me next season.

This day also was the send-off for the Chicago 2016 Bid Book, which outlines extensive plans for Chicago to host the Olympics. It will be sent to Switzerland for review by the International Olympic Committee. The book was delivered by Stuart Owen Rankin, the grandson of Jesse Owens. I learned a lot. Overall, I loved the experience!

fEB. 11This week I went to a Chicago Public Schools’ conference for principals and administrators to explain Olympic Week, the big event I am helping plan. Olympic Week is a week of lesson plans

teachers can use to tie the Olympics and Paralympics to all subjects.

fEB. 18Another week down! It is amazing how fast this semester is going!

This week, I learned how to fill out merchandise request forms and marketing design requests. I felt pretty good about my requests when I sat down with the design team and the writer to go over the plans I sent them, and the writer thought I did a good job with the content. He still had to make revisions, but for the most part, it was what I wrote!

apRIL 6This entire week is one big jumble in my mind! It started with typical Olympic Week projects: talking to principals, mailing flyers and talking to potential partners.

Throughout the week, more Chicago 2016 colors and images popped up around the city in preparation of the evaluation commission visit. This group evaluates all the potential host cities.

We worked on Facebook pages for the evaluation commission. I didn’t think it would be hard, but there were missing bios and pictures and the book needed to be done Saturday. We had the bios translated to French and sent them to French translators literally around the world. As they worked on them, it became early morning for us. Finally

at 8 a.m., we had the books bound and delivered. After being up for 29 hours, I headed straight to bed.

apRIL 13Tuesday I had one of the neatest experiences of my life. The entire Chicago 2016 team gathered outside the doors where the evaluation committee meetings were held and waited for them to come out. When they did, we clapped, cheered and the committee gave handshakes and high fives to as many people as possible. Then the team got to the meeting room, and we watched the program videos, including the one we all had our pictures in from a photo shoot. I would not trade it for anything right now. This has been such a great experience! n

Junior Sara Mouw (left) spent the spring semester working for Chicago 2016.

Excerpts were taken from Sara Mouw’s blog. She spent spring semester as an education/culture intern for Chicago 2016, mainly working on Olympic Week. Mouw is a business management major from Greene, Iowa.

812 University Street

Pella, Iowa 50219

SummER 2009 vOL. 15 NO. 3 uSPS096-840

The A Cappella Choir performed an international tour in Italy in May. The choir performed at the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and St. Paul’s Within the Walls Episcopal in Rome, Duomo di San Pietro Maggiore in Arezzo, Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Torino, Chiesa di San Andrea Apostolo in Prascorsano and Santurio di Belmone in Belmonte. “I’ve been in A Cappella for three years and have looked forward to this tour from the beginning,” said senior Liza Calisesi, of Fort Dodge, Iowa. “Touring is such an enjoyable time — creating memories and sharing music. To have the opportunity to experience this on an international level was truly great.” “Despite the language barrier, music brings people together,” said senior Caitlin O’Connor of Burlington, Iowa. “One night, after surrounding the audience with the benediction, an Italian woman came up before I even had a chance to exit with the rest of the choir and hugged me with tears in her eyes complimenting the choir in Italian. As we went into the smaller mountain towns, we packed churches. The people of the small communities told us they had never experienced such music.”

THE A CAppEllA CHoir Tours iTAly “Despite

the language

barrier, music

brings people

together ... ”